Real Madrid Transfer News: Manchester City Hold Isco Talks, Top Rumours

Manchester City have sent their chief executive to hold talks with Real Madrid over the potential transfer of Isco to the Etihad Stadium club. 

Rob Pollard of the Manchester Evening News said City's Ferran Soriano met Los Blancos general manager Jose Angel Sanchez to discuss the prospects of a deal, according to reports in Spain. 

Spanish media outlet Fichajes (h/t Mark Brus of Metro) appear to be one such source, as rumours build around the Sky Blues' interest in the player. 

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Pollard reported Isco is a long-term target for City, almost joining the Manchester club in 2013 before Real icon Zinedine Zidane "hijacked" the move in favour of the Galacticos. The midfielder worked with City manager Manuel Pellegrini at Malaga for two years before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu, developing "a fine relationship" as Isco worked under the Chilean's guidance. 

The player has performed to a solid standard at Madrid but has not seen his status grow above the superstar contingent in coach Rafael Benitez's squad. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale continue to take centre stage, as James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema offer exceptional competition for places in the attack. 

The 23-year-old has started only nine matches in La Liga this season, providing three assists and one goal, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is a video displaying Isco's talents in Madrid's shirt:

Isco would be a tangible loss for Real, but a new adventure in the Premier League could appeal to the exciting flair talent. 

He has only ever been a bit-part player at Madrid, and a move to a Champions League contender—with additional match time—could turn Isco's head. 

Fichajes (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) also recently claimed a "mass exodus" is on the cards at the Bernabeu, as Toni Kroos and James follow Isco out the door. The midfielders are "all ready to leave the club" after becoming despondent under Benitez's regime. 

Morale appears to be low at the La Liga giants since the end of former manager Carlo Ancelotti's reign, and president Florentino Perez will have to flex his muscle in the transfer market if the trio depart. 

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City are also keen on James' services, according to Spanish publication Don Balon (h/t Brus), as Chelsea also stand by to tempt the Colombian superstar to London. 

Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror said James and Benitez's relationship is "under the spotlight" as the manager looks to find a way of accommodating all of his Galactico contingent, writing:

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There are a few different ways to read the ongoing situation between the €80 million man [James Rodriguez] and his manager.

One is that James is a victim of [Florentino] Perez’s desperation to make Gareth Bale the centre-piece of this Real Madrid team. Much of Benitez’s task is to get the best out of the Welshman and, often that has seen Rodriguez left on the sidelines.

Another is that the 24-year-old reportedly returned to the club overweight (albeit supposedly just 2kg) and Benitez has been punishing him for it by leaving him out of the side and the relationship has since "broken".

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FourFourTwo's Emanuel Rosu recently questioned why Benitez was appointed manager, adding that the current Madrid team are "painful to watch" under his leadership as a number of players suffer with his tactics:

Benitez's administration might be soaked in despondency, but he cannot afford to let Isco depart, especially if other midfielders wish to quickly jump ship. 

Perez's record with managers always leans toward supporting his playing staff, and coaches have been shown the exit in double-quick time when results collapse. 

Real currently sit only two points behind Barcelona in La Liga, but the leaders have a game in hand on Madrid.

Benitez cannot allow the opening of the January transfer window to destabilise individuals in his squad, but if City have already made contact over Isco, a charm offensive is likely to follow.